What are the Common Types of residential elevators?

Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Kravelv

There are different types of residential elevators and they mostly differ in terms of their drive system. Vacuum elevator is the latest trend, but make sure to check your local building codes before considering this option. Each one of the system has its unique advantages. Explore the benefits of the most popular residential elevators by reading the article below.

  1. Cable Winding Drum Elevator

The first thing that comes to your mind when you think of residential elevators is the winding drum system. In this case thick steel cables are used to suspend the elevator cab. It is the ideal option for those who want to save big on their residential elevators. It is the ideal choice for you if initial installation price is of concern. But it is typically known for some amount of noise and rough handling.

residential elevator
Photo: ascensionelevators.com
  1. Chain Drive Counterweight Elevator

This system doesn’t use any hydraulic cylinder or cables for moving the elevator cab. It uses a system of gears and a chain for moving torque from a motor. Contrary to perception, it doesn’t cause any noise. Besides, the maintenance required for the chains is less compared to the cables. The latter have to be replaced once every 5 years. On the other hand, chains can last for over two decades.

  1. Inline gear Chain Drive System

This type of residential elevator in Calgary are even better than the simple chain drive systems. In this case the motor assembly is kept at the top of the shaft. Because of lesser headroom, the cost of installation is lower. It also offers faster access and better safety. These systems are also more energy-efficient.

  1. Gearless Elevators

Gearless traction is more commonly found in office buildings. If you visit an office, the elevators are usually going to be based on gearless traction system. The drive is a combination of cables and counterweights, creating a very silent system. But these elevators are considered to be more difficult to be installed and removed. And the maintenance costs are relatively higher because the cables have to be replaced every few years.

residential elevator1
Photo: ascensionelevators.com

These systems are not commonly used in homes. Gearless traction drive home elevators are ideally suited for advanced installations. But it is going to cost you more in the long term.

  1. Vacuum Tube Elevators

If you don’t have any budget constraints, vacuum tube residential elevators are the perfect option for you. They are more suited for new constructions so that the hoistway could be designed to fit larger doors. This is one of the most elegant elevator systems you can have installed in your buildings. If you want to add a more aesthetic elevator to your home that offers silent and smooth operation, a vacuum tube system is the perfect option. But it will cost you 2 to 3 times what the chain drive system will cost.

These are the top 5 residential elevators you will come across when planning to install a new elevator system in your home. You can choose the one that ideally fits your budget and meets your requirements.

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Author Bio:

The Author is a residential elevator specialist with several years of installation and maintenance experience in the industry. He is one of the leading experts in different types of elevator Installer in Calgary. Besides, specializing in Roped Hydraulic, Overhead traction, Basement traction, and MRL systems he also provides custom designing solutions.

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One Reply to “What are the Common Types of residential elevators?”

  1. It’s interesting to learn that the cables of gearless elevators would have to be replaced every few years. I’m currently planning to get an apartment complex built on one of my properties and I think having an elevator would help in selling the place better to potential tenants. Perhaps I should also start looking for a maintenance service that I can regularly count on.

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